Maceo Parker and Carolina Soul Tribute Headline Art Of Cool Festival

We already think Durham is pretty cool. It will get even cooler when the inaugural Art of Cool Festival brings more than 40 talented musical artists into Downtown on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26. Two amazing headline acts will grace our stage.

Saxophonist Maceo Parker will highlight the Friday lineup. Having performed for more than 50 years with such legendary artists as James Brown, Prince and the Dave Matthews Band, Parker is an incredible soul and jazz artist. The Kinston, North Carolina-native frequently headlines jazz festivals all over the world. The North Carolina Central University Big Band will open the show.

On Saturday, April 26, multi-instrumentalist Miguel Atwood-Ferguson will lead a star-studded "Carolina Soul" tribute concert to North Carolina music legends Nina Simone, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Roberta Flack. The North Carolina Central University Vocal Ensemble and the Clayton Brothers will help pump up the crowd.